New Supreme Patriarch appointed

The NationJanuary 4, 2014 1:00 am

Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkha-lachan officially became the new Supreme Patriarch yesterday.

The 88-year-old abbot of Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen began serving as acting Supreme Patriarch even before His Holiness Somdet Phra Sangharaja Sakalamahasanghapari-nayaka died in October at the age of 100.

Sangha Supreme Council spokesman Phra Prommethi said that after a special meeting, the council acknowledged the nomination of Somdet Phra Maharatchamongkha-lachan for the position.

The senior monk at the meeting ratified the council's decision, so he is now officially the new Supreme Patriarch, the spokesman said. The council will seek His Majesty the King's endorsement of the appointment, the monk said.

Meanwhile Nopparat Benjawatananun, director-general of the National Office of Buddhism, said a committee had been set up to prepare a royal funeral for the late Supreme Patriarch. A royal crematory at Wat Dhebsirin Tarawat will be renovated to be the venue for the royal funeral.